顺
shùn · HSK 6
to obey
🌊 川 river + 页 head: a head that goes with the current — obey
Ironic: sounds like English shun (reject), but means the opposite — to follow along. The river radical 川 suggests smooth, unresisting flow.
顺 — 川 (river) + 页 (head/face)
顺 combines 川 (flowing river) with 页 (head), originally depicting a head turned to follow the flow of water. The image of going along with the current gave rise to meanings like 'to follow,' 'smooth,' and 'in order.' It remains tied to ideas of compliance and natural sequence.